Karla Lopez

My drive to expand the reach of Social Emotional Learning (SEL) throughout schools comes from firsthand experience in witnessing how Social Emotional Learning can help students build trust and connections with teachers and classmates. As an educator and instructional leader, Social Emotional Learning is now at the center of my work. In 2010, I received a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership and Administration and began working as the Instructional Specialist in 2013.

As the instructional specialist and school coordinator, I’ve had the opportunity to design and guide the direction of professional development for our teachers and instructional aids. My current position as Social Emotional Learning adviser has continually shown me the positive impact Social Emotional Learning has had on our students and the school communities throughout district. Looking to help school implement SEL in way that aligns to their mission and vision.

I have extensive experience in parent trainings and have designed, planned and provided parent education nights, parent training, schoolwide events and family workshops. Parent outreach has included a variety of important topics such as: training and educational sessions on Restorative Justice & Community Building Circles, supporting students in Cognitively Guided Instruction, Readers’ & Writers’ Workshops, how to navigate E-Choices and applying to LAUSD Magnets, coordinating Middle School night, anti-bullying and parenting, and addressing the needs of gifted learners.

My work in Social Emotional Learning has been the highlight of my career and I consider SEL to be the missing link in education. I believe that through SEL we can reach our students lead successful lives while working to close the achievement gaps in education. I hope to be an asset to the development of the SEL in school districts so that we can build trauma-informed school sites and bring SEL to all classrooms.